How To Child Proof a Home

You can take a number means to protect your child from frequent household dangers. The following are some tips.

Install covers on electrical outlets to prevent electrocution. To avoid scalding burns, adjust the temperature of the hot water heater between 120 and 130 degrees F.

Remember to store medicines, household cleaners and other chemicals out of reach by keeping them in original containers with a child resistant cap. Use window guards, window stops or safety netting to prevent children from falling out windows.

Install fire extinguishers as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house. Don't use furniture with sharp edges and remove breakables from low tables and shelves. Install safety latches on all cupboards and airtight containers, including refrigerators, chests or coolers. To prevent drowning, empty all water from pails and bathtubs. In addition, keep the bathroom door closed and not at all leave your child alone near any water container.

Tie cords of curtains, blinds and appliances. Take away window blind cords with loops that can cause strangulation. Purchase safety tassels to replace cord loops. Consider using a wall anchor for the stove and large furniture pieces. Utilize nonskid backing on rugs and ensure the carpets are firmly tacked down.

Remove small toys and other choking hazards from around your child. Do not carry hot food or liquids near your child and do not permit your child near heaters, stoves or other hot appliances - particularly curling irons. When cooking, utilize the back burners and turn pot handles inward.

If you must have a gun in the house, keep the bullets in a separate locked place. Be careful of certain dog breeds - such as Rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepards as they account for fatal dog bites. When in the presence of animals, closely supervise your children. Child proof the swimming pool by enclosing it in a fence with a self-latching and self-closing gate.

Never leave your child alone in a swimming area, though he is a good swimmer. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone. Lock rooms that are not child proof. If your house has chipped or flaking lead paint, hire a professional to remove it.